Catechism Links[1]
CCC 575-576: Christ, a sign of contradiction
CCC 1816: a disciple should witness to the faith with boldness
CCC 2471-2474: giving testimony to the truth
CCC 946-957, 1370, 2683-2684: our communion with the saints
CCC 1161: sacred images remind us of the “cloud of witnesses”
*Note: The Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be celebrated either before or after Evening Prayer I.
*Note: The Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be celebrated either before or after Evening Prayer I.
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| “An Angel and a Devil Fighting for the Soul of a Child” by Giacinto Gimignani 1660’s |
Commentary:
Commentary on Jer 38:4-6, 8-10
Placing this incident in perspective, Jeremiah is already being held by the guards of the princes who have complained to the King about the prophet. What Jeremiah has been saying is that the city is going to fall to the King of Babylon because the people have turned from God, and any who wish to be saved should flee the city and go to the Chaldeans.
When they are allowed to deal with Jeremiah in their own way, the Guards put Jeremiah into a water cistern that has been drained where he sinks into the mud at the bottom. Clearly he is in imminent danger of death. Not wishing to bring more of God’s wrath upon him, the King authorizes Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian, to rescue him.
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R. (14b) Lord, come to my aid!
Commentary on Ps 40:2, 3, 4, 18
Psalm 40 is a lament. This selection gives reference to calling for God’s help in times of distress, and the reference to being drawn out of "the pit of destruction, out of the muddy swamp" could be a contextual reference to Jeremiah’s situation described in the first reading.
CCC: Ps 40:2 2657
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Commentary on Heb 12:1-4
Speaking to the Hebrews, St. Paul exhorts them to follow the example of witnesses both ancient (from the Old Testament) and contemporary. He uses Christ as the banner of steadfast faith, who, seeing the joys of the Kingdom of Heaven, endured the Cross for the sake of salvation for the people.
The author returns to his principal theme in this selection. He encourages the faithful to redouble their zeal for the faith. It is interesting that the author mentions specifically how the community (cloud of witnesses) strengthens the faith. The reading goes on to place Christ’s passion as a model of steadfastness, encouraging the faithful to resist against all opposition. This resistance, says the author, should include shedding one’s own blood for the faith.
CCC: Heb 12:1-2 165; Heb 12:1 1161, 2683; Heb 12:2 147; Heb 12:3 569, 598
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Commentary on Lk 12:49-53
This discourse from St. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the divisive nature of Christ’s message. He has already encountered resistance, and sees that his message of peace will have an even more profound influence on the world. It is clear the Lord knows that many will not be able to accept his words, and this will cause enmity among people, even within families.
In this passage, there is a glimpse of the passion (the baptism mentioned in v.50 shares the image presented in Psalm 124:4-5) and anguish the Lord feels for the message he is bringing. He sees the flame of faith igniting the whole world. Jesus knows there will be those who accept the proclamation of the Kingdom of God, and those who will reject both it and him.
CCC: Lk 12:49 696; Lk 12:50 536, 607, 1225, 2804
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Reflection:
Reflection:
Today we are reminded that, while the rewards of the faith are tremendous, they do not come without a secular price. Jesus has already seen the resistance to his message and knows that it will grow and intensify as more people come to understand who the Son of Man is and what his message means to those in power.
From the beginning, since God cast out Satan, the message of love contends for the hearts of people against the message of hate, good fights against evil, and sacrifice contends with greed. It was implicit in the first reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah. The conflict is epitomized in the message of Jesus. His call to absolute virtue will always be seen as a threat to those who would rather cling to the darkness. St. Paul addresses this very issue in his Letter to the Hebrews ("let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us").
The message comes to us at a time when the secular world with its hedonistic values is gaining strength. Those in power seek to eliminate the challenge of the Gospel message; to eliminate the voice of the Church. We must be prepared to face stiff resistance, even from within our own families as we strive to stay the course Christ has called us to. Let us pray today then that we have the strength in the Holy Spirit to fight the good fight, to run the good race, and in the end come to the victory Christ promises.
Pax
In other years on this date: Memorial for Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
* At their November 1991 meeting, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops decided that whenever January 1, the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God or August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin or November 1, the Feast of All Saints falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the precept to celebrate Mass is dispensed. The Congregation for Bishops confirmed the action on July 4, 1992.
Although the obligation to celebrate Mass when these three holy days fall on a Saturday or Monday is abolished, parishes are to continue to observe these holydays by scheduling one or more Masses at a convenient time so that people who wish to participate are able to do so.
Note: The local ordinary may authorize changes to this dispensation. Consult your local diocese regarding use of the vigil options.
* At their November 1991 meeting, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops decided that whenever January 1, the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God or August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin or November 1, the Feast of All Saints falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the precept to celebrate Mass is dispensed. The Congregation for Bishops confirmed the action on July 4, 1992.
Although the obligation to celebrate Mass when these three holy days fall on a Saturday or Monday is abolished, parishes are to continue to observe these holydays by scheduling one or more Masses at a convenient time so that people who wish to participate are able to do so.
Note: The local ordinary may authorize changes to this dispensation. Consult your local diocese regarding use of the vigil options.
[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, Published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014
[2] The picture is “An Angel and a Devil Fighting for the Soul of a Child” by Giacinto Gimignani 1660’s
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